With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling dolls in a June 2014 survey, several mentioned Groovy Girls from Manhattan Toy, which are celebrating their "Sweet 16" this year.
Check out all of the best-selling dolls below, then decide which would be right for your store.
*No manufacturer paid to be included in the Top-10 list below. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.
Katrina is always the most fashionable at the party. Her colorful dress has features one of her favorite colors, purple. Not only is her dress purple, so is her hair; purple highlights are cleverly mixed in with a brownish-red color. Her appearance is striking her trendy outfit and her ultra-sweet personality. Launch date: 2012. — In a June 2013 survey, three out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls from Manhattan toy were their best-selling dolls. — In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls are their best-selling doll.
Groovy Girls Gabriella is quite the social butterfly. She is always looking for new friends to meet. Her satin eye-catching pink and purple satin gown match the pink highlights in her rich chocolate colored hair. Launch date: 2012. — In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls are their best-selling doll.
Specially designed for bathtime fun, Tidoo is soft and posable and so light that it floats. Filled with polystyrene "beads" that dry quickly, Tidoo can play out of the tub, too; it can even suck its thumb. Tidoo baby dolls can wear any fashion from the Mon Premier collection. Corolle also offers a wide selection of nursery accessories specially sized for Tidoo. 12 inches tall. Blue sleeping eyes. — In a Summer 2011 survey 10 of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that dolls from Corolle were their best-sellers. Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said they sell 6-10 Corolle dolls per month, and that Tidoo is the best-seller. — Rebecca Goblish, owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that dolls from Corolle are in her top-three best-selling products. — In a June 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthlythat Corolle makes their best-selling dolls.
Kidoozie Cozy Cutie On-The-Go-Baby by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
An ideal baby doll for busy little girls, the Cozy Cute On-The-Go-Baby is a fun friend she can take everywhere she goes. The adorable carrier makes it extra-convenient to keep the doll in tow no matter where the day takes her. — Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that the Kidoozie Cozy Cutie On-The-Go-Baby is one of their best-selling dolls. — In a June 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Cozy Cutie was their best-selling doll.
Lots to Love Babies and Carrier -14" by JC TOYS GROUP INC
Lets go for a ride! Dressed in a cute outfit she's ready for her first day out! 14" All Vinyl Baby Doll in Multi-position Carrier. Expressions and Styles may vary. Lots to Love Babies are perfect for all children. 2+. — In a June 2014 survey, Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that "we are selling about 12 Lots to Love babies per month." — Dean Smith, owner of Jazams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a June 2015 survey that the Lots to Love Baby is their best-selling doll.
Adora Playtime™ Babies are handmade with care and made to be loved. They are the perfect “1st” baby doll weighing just about 12 ounces. You will adore the life-like features from their little buttons noses . . . to their tiny little hands and feet. Each handmade doll is created in our exclusive, lightly baby powder scented, Gentle Touch™ vinyl. Adora Playtime™ Babies also have a cuddly silky-smooth body that reminds us of the beloved trim on a child’s favorite baby blankie! They are perfect for cuddling with a bean bag weighted bottom which gives them their life-like feel.
Features: • Adora dolls are Mom tested and child approved. • Best of all they are 100% Machine Washable! • Put them in a pillowcase and them into a washing machine on gentle cycle. • Lay flat to dry • Adora Playtime™ baby is good as new! *Note: baby powder fresh scent will fade over time when washed.
— Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that the Adora makes one of their best-selling doll lines.
Share the joy of friendship with an Adora Doll Friend, each with her own unique style just like you. Unlock the magic of a true-blue friend with your very own Adora friendship bracelet. They are fun to wear and have a special meaning…handmade by one friend and given to another as a gift. The color of the friendship bracelet also has a special meaning among friends. Launch date: Spring 2013. — Phyllis Stroud, owner of Rocking Horse Toy Store in Natchitoches, La., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that dolls from Adora are their best-sellers in the category, especially around the holidays. — Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in a June 2014 survey that the Adora makes one of their best-selling doll lines.
This adorable, soft, and cuddly newborn is all dressed up and ready for her first outing — a dance recital. All she needs is a little mommy to take care of her and show her off to the world. She wears a charming ballet-inspired bloomer, featuring pink shorts and ruffles at the waist. She completes her too-cute look with a tiara-detailed headband and comes with a bottle and blanket for bundling. To expand your daughter's nurturing playtime, collect all the dolls in the Little Mommy Baby So New assortment (each sold separately). — Robert Klenberg, co-owner of Richard's Variety Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly that Baby So New is their store's best-selling doll.
This 12 inch baby doll with blue eyes and light brown painted hair wears a soft, pink knit top and pants. The shirt, pink textured knit with princess seams and self-binding, has a pink and white striped yoke and sleeves. The pink and white, striped, knit pants has pink, mini polka dot binding at the ankles and an elastic waistband. A pink knit headband with a white bow that has mini, pink polka dots, completes this baby.
My First Doll is made with soft plush in a vibrant shade of pink and has adorable embroidered details. She makes a wonderful gift for your child to love and squeeze. — "Our best plush items are some of the cute Kids Preferred items, like their soft baby dolls," Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
